This incredible family home in lovely beach-side Bronte is set across four floors on a terraced site to maximise views and extend living spaces to the outdoors.

Perched on a steep site and concealed from the street, we created a sophisticated and generously appointed home with a warm palette of timber, sandstone and glass. Our design takes full advantage of beach views whilst being focused around a central courtyard, allowing northern winter sun to permeate into the heart of the house on all levels and provide a shady respite from an otherwise exposed beach-facing position.

We placed the master suite and office at the upper level with the best views. Main living spaces consisting of kitchen, dining and lounge are on the mid level, spilling out onto a generous lawn with outdoor entertaining and fireplace. The lower level is tucked out of sight of the street and is reserved for ‘play’ with the rumpus, pool room, outdoor entertaining and pool.

Surprise elements in the glass pool edge at the pedestrian entrance, the double height rock feature wall within the rumpus – add texture and a sense of fun to the family home.

Externally we considered the home’s proximity to the ocean by using robust, salt-tolerant materials to ensure the house would retain its qualities for years to come.